What is a Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone?
In this month’s post we will answer the question: what is a Large Diaphragm Condenser microphone?
Some characteristics of a large diaphragm condenser microphone are:-
- It is good for recording quieter sounds, instruments or the human voice
- Delivers warmth and clarity
- Has a wide frequency response (Low to high frequencies)
- It has an extended dynamic range (Quiet to loud)
- Requires Phantom Power
This type of microphone is designed for increased sensitivity. Therefore, it requires phantom power.
It is likely that your recording device will have an option for turning phantom power on or off. Most importantly, always make sure you turn phantom power on after connecting the microphone.
Typical uses
- Spoken Word (e.g. Audio Books)
- Narration or Voice Over for moving image
- Podcasting
- Radio Studio recording or broadcasting
- Vocals for music production
- Acoustic musical instruments
How to position the microphone
Before you position your microphone it is worth knowing about the polar pattern of your microphone.
A polar pattern describes the best area around the microphone for capturing sound.
Microphones with a cardioid pattern will generally work best for vocals.
For example, a microphone with a cardioid polar pattern is good at capturing sound from the front. However, it is poor at capturing sound from the rear.
Therefore, the best placement for this microphone is directly in front of the source. But if you aren’t familiar with the microphone it isn’t always obvious where the front is!
However, you can usually identify the front by locating a badge or symbol or sometimes just a circular shape.
Using a Pop shield
If you intend to do any vocal recording you will need to use a pop shield. This is because the microphone is very sensitive to short blasts of air from plosive sounds.
- A pop shield usually consists of thin nylon mesh material stretched over a round frame
- Pop shields reduce unwanted sounds caused by ‘plosives’. Also called ‘popping’ sounds
- Plosive sounds occur when the mouth forms ‘B’ and ‘P’ sounds
- As a result, short blasts of air cause low frequency ‘pops’
- A Pop Shield goes between the mouth and the microphone
Mounting the microphone
This type of microphone is not meant to be held by hand. This is because it is extremely sensitive. Therefore, you should always use some kind of stand and shock mount to reduce vibrations.
- Always use a microphone stand or desk mounted arm
- Secondly, always use a shock mount if one is provided with your microphone
- Shock mounts reduce vibrations from accidental movement
- Most importantly, do not hold the microphone while recording
Location
Location can sometimes be even more important than the microphone itself.
You should consider how the room itself affects the recording. But sounds from outside can also be an issue.
- Firstly, use a quiet room
- Air conditioning, computer fans or traffic noise can cause an issue
- In addition, be aware of ‘room sound’ or reverb – audio reflections from hard surfaces
- Finally, acoustic treatment can be used to reduce unwanted reflections
Microphone Recommendations
Rode NT1A: Great for beginners and professionals. The Rode NT1-A delivers quality vocal recording at a very reasonable price.
iRig Mic Studio XLR: iRig Mic Studio XLR is an ultra-compact cardioid condenser microphone. Designed to be used in your standard studio setup, or for capturing recordings on the go.
If you are interested in the iRig Mic Studio XLR please use my affiliate links below.
Click to see iRig Mic Studio XLR Microphone by IK Multimedia
To see more IK Multimedia Products click here
Summary
This post is meant as a quick guide to Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphones. For this reason I have kept it brief and to the point. However, you may need to do further research to find out more.
You may also be interested in my post on Home Recording Essentials: Click to see the Home Recording Essentials
Here is a brief summary:-
- A large diaphragm condenser microphone is good for vocal recording
- Use a Pop Shield to reduce popping sounds
- Mount on a stand and use a shock mount
- Ensure you use good microphone placement technique
- Consider the recording location
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